Root Canals or Endodontics

What Are Root Canals or Endodontics?

Every tooth has a bone-covered root that secures the tooth in place inside your jawbone. Endodontic treatments focus on issues impacting those roots, and are performed by general dentists or by specialists known as endodontists. Of these treatments, the most common is the root canal.

When a tooth becomes infected, a dental professional will determine whether or not the whole tooth should be pulled, known as an extraction, or if the tooth can be saved by removing the only infected soft tissue of the tooth, known as the pulp. This process is known as a root canal. During a root canal procedure, a dentist removes the damaged pulp, cleans and disinfects the remaining tooth, then fills and seals the remaining chambers with a material known as gutta-percha.

Why Do I Need a Root Canal?

When the soft tissue inside the root of your tooth, also known as the pulp, becomes damaged or infected, you may need a root canal. A common cause of this type of damage is an injury like a cracked tooth, as well as untreated cavities or other tooth trauma. Many patients cite extreme tooth pain as the reason they sought treatment—pain a root canal will most likely relieve.

What Should I Expect at my First Root Canal Appointment?

The root canal process can take several appointments from start to finish. At your first appointment, your dentist will begin with an x-ray to determine the extent of the damage and/or injury to your tooth, as well as where the decay is located.

After that determination, sometimes over a few appointments, your dentist will take the following steps, either alone or with the help with an endodontist:

The dentist or endodontist will numb the area with a local anesthetic and remove the damaged and/or infected pulp from your tooth, then clean and disinfect the area.

Finally, your dentist will fill the area with gutta-percha material and seal it with cement. This is a temporary seal on the tooth, however, while you wait for a permanent crown. Once your dentist has finalized the permanent crown, usually after a few weeks, you’ll return for the final placement.

How Long Do Root Canals Last?

It’s important to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible after a root canal. Good dental hygiene habits will help ensure the longevity of your root canal, and help prevent future ones. Your Huntley Dental Associates team can help ensure that you develop and continue healthy hygiene practices.